Those extra pounds that have been latching onto your body can be quite troublesome, from knee pains and insulin resistance to poor mental health. When you visit your doctor for any ailments, it always comes down to one issue: the weight on the scale. It might end up frustrating for those who already suffer from the weight and have a hard time losing it.
Although it is entirely possible to lose fat, gain muscle, and heal one’s body, for some with other health issues, it might end up being difficult. The person might feel the situation is hopeless, and it is near impossible to shred those extra pounds and feel confident in their own skin.
Bariatric surgery is a blessing in disguise for people who are fighting with obesity. It is done when diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight.
Today, let’s delve into the life-changing benefits of bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise don’t yield any results or if the person is experiencing life-threatening circumstances due to obesity.
Bariatric surgery, also called gastric bypass surgery, involves making changes to the digestive system in order to facilitate weight loss. To ensure lasting weight loss, one must stick to a healthy diet and workout regime even after the operation.
Bariatric surgery could be an option for weight loss if one has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, termed extreme obesity. Or, if your BMI lies in the range of 35 to 39.9, termed obesity, and you have serious health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Under a few circumstances, one may even qualify for surgery in the BMI range of 30 to 34 and have serious weight-related health concerns.
Although these are a few factors determining the need for bariatric surgery, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional. The surgery permanently modifies your body, and you must be sure enough to make the choice and live by it for a longer period of time by following better nutrition, a healthier lifestyle, and also keeping in check other medical conditions.
There are different variations of bariatric surgery, and it depends on the individual's needs, health conditions, and practitioner’s expertise. In a nutshell, bariatric surgery makes changes to your stomach, intestines, or both together so less food can be taken and fewer calories and fat are absorbed by the intestines.
The surgery is traditionally done as open surgery under general anesthesia. However, currently, the surgery is done laparoscopically without large incisions in the abdomen, resulting in a faster recovery.
The most common types of bariatric surgery are
The procedure involves two procedures in one sitting. The first step is sleeve gastrectomy, and the second step is the surgeon closing off the middle section of the intestine and attaching the last part directly to the first part of the intestine. The segment of the intestine that was split off is still inside the body. Rather, it is attached back to the end of the intestines, permitting the passage of bile and pancreatic digesting secretions into this section of the intestine.
The SADI-S surgery consists of two stages, similar to BPD/DS, with a sleeve gastrectomy being the initial step. A portion of the small intestine called the duodenum is cut off directly below the new stomach sleeve in the second stage of the SADI-S surgery. The ileum, a section of the lower small intestine, is then joined to this aperture beneath the newly formed stomach. The duodeno-ileal bypass is this. Instead of passing through the entire 25 feet of the small intestine, the bypass passes food through just around 10. This implies that the body may absorb fat and calories over a shorter period of time, resulting in weight loss.
Although the primary benefit of metabolic surgery is weight loss, the reduction in body weight solves and reverses a multitude of elements associated with obesity.
Some health concerns that are bound to improve are:
Furthermore, the mental aspect of the surgery equates the physical reduction of weight with better mood, increased confidence, and improved motivation.
Those who struggled to play with their kids or shied away from any photographs now will be able to conquer these hurdles with a stronger mental fortitude.
If you are someone struggling with obesity and facing life-threatening concerns due to your body weight, bariatric surgery is a chance for you to escape your arduous life. Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight, improves health, increases mobility, and enhances self-esteem.
It is not just a medical procedure; it is a chance for health transformation and self-discovery.
Don’t be afraid to make a change and seek help from your healthcare professional for a healthy and happy life.